Little Sarah is found in the snow: an orphaned new-born baby. She is taken in at Meadow Hall in South Riding, Yorkshire, to be trained as a scullery maid. Feisty and headstrong, at fourteen Sarah decides to run away. Dressed as a boy, she meets good-hearted Aidan and impulsive Danby, forming an unlikely but happy trio.
When Sarah is found out, Aidan knows she can not live with two young men and reluctantly takes her to the workhouse. He plans to rescue Sarah just as soon as he can, but something keeps Aidan from his promise . . . Reunited as adults, but now strangers, Sarah holds a secret about Danby, Aidan and her unborn child. But can she do what is right for her baby, even if it means losing the love of her life?